Skopelos, a lush and enchanting island in the Northern Sporades, is known for its green landscapes, traditional villages, and crystal-clear beaches. Often called the “Green on Blue” island, Skopelos is covered in pine forests that stretch down to meet the turquoise waters, creating a striking natural contrast. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed, authentic Greek experience with beautiful scenery, charming architecture, and warm hospitality. The island gained international fame as a filming location for the movie Mamma Mia!, with notable sites like the Agios Ioannis Chapel, which has become a popular attraction for its dramatic cliffside location and breathtaking sea views.
The island’s main town, Skopelos Town, is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses with red-tiled roofs, and vibrant bougainvillaea. The town is also known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and numerous small chapels. At the heart of Skopelos Town, visitors can explore artisan shops, cosy cafes, and tavernas that serve the island’s unique local dishes.
Gastronomy of Skopelos
Skopelos’s cuisine is rooted in simplicity and quality, making use of the island’s fresh ingredients and long-standing culinary traditions. One of the island’s most famous dishes is skopelitiki tyropita, a spiral-shaped cheese pie made with crispy phyllo and local goat cheese. This delicious snack is beloved by locals and visitors alike and can be found in most bakeries and cafes.
Seafood is also a highlight, with dishes like grilled fish, octopus, and calamari served with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh lemon. For meat lovers, stifado (a beef or rabbit stew with onions and red wine) is popular, especially in the cooler months.
Skopelos is also known for its sweet treats, particularly amygdalota, soft almond cookies dusted with powdered sugar, often enjoyed with coffee in the afternoon. Local honey, infused with the island’s wild herbs, is widely used in both desserts and as a complement to cheese.
Dining on Skopelos is a delightful experience, with many tavernas offering beautiful views of the sea or nestled in quiet village squares, where visitors can enjoy traditional island flavours in a relaxed, picturesque setting.
The Agrotourist Women’s Cooperative of Glossa carries on the tradition, producing traditional products from wine byproducts, like petimezi, moustalevria, and retseli, and also making Skopelos-style tiropita and bread, as well as traditional sweets: chamalia and rozedes (almond-based sweets), spoon sweets, marmalades and pan-baked sweets.
While on Skopelos, don’t miss out on other traditional dishes, like the grouper stifado, meat with quince, pastry shells with rice and octopus with horta.
